Page 23 of The Cruel Dawn
A realm of savannahs and herbology that had been stripped of its lushness to make poisons instead of medicines.
“Birius is gone,” I say.
Malik Sindire nods. “Destroyed ages ago by both your father and Zephar Itikin’s father, Bezeph. A destruction approved by the Council of High Orders, I must add.”
“If Danar’s family was destroyed along with the others,” I say, my words tight, “where was he? How did he escape that doom?”
“He was somewhere in the Aetherium starting trouble,” Malik Sindire says with a sigh. “With Birius’s destruction, so came the destruction of his past, present, and future. But he refuses to accept his family’s end, and instead of discovering new realms, which is his job, he goes about the existing ones, holding them captive until his demands are met and Supreme returns his family back to him.”
“Which is impossible,” I say.
“Nothing is impossible for Supreme,” Malik Sindire points out. “At the same time, nothing warrants the return of those who are lost.” He lifts his glass to study the color of the wine. “Now, do I feel for him in some small way? Yes. But I detest that man, who he’s become, and what he did to Fendusk, Kestau, and Kynne. And the creatures he’s spawned—don’t get me started onthatmenagerie. Now, he’s set his eyes on Vallendor.”
The old man considers me. “He hasn’t given up, you realize? Elyn Fynal has only postponed this war, but he’s out there—” He nods to the vastness of Vallendor. “And he’s angrier than ever, especially since he was so very close.”
Jadon Wake had been his weapon, and I’d fallen for that threat, jeopardizing the realm and my own life.
“He’ll do anything to claim what he wants, Precious One,” Malik warns. “And that means that he will appeal to your…shortcomings.”
The wine now tastes sour on my tongue. “I’m sure you will tell me what those are.”
“I don’t need to. You know them. But what I wantyouto tellmeis this: What are your values? What doyouhold dear? What will guide you to succeed and save this realm?”
I sip wine that I can no longer taste.
He smiles. “Give me three.”
Accountability?How can I expect that when I’ve escaped my ultimate punishment?
Discipline?Again, I’m that god who has destroyed without the Council’s approval.
Strength?What’s that worth without patience or fairness, courage or humility?
“I can’t name three,” I whisper. “Not honestly.”
“Authenticity,” he says, tapping my wrist. “I witness that right now.” He fixes his gaze on me, all amusement gone. “What’s your purpose, Kaivara?”
I blink at him and open my mouth, but I can’t speak.
“To be seen as the most powerful,” Malik Sindire says for me. “For this to happen, you must also convince thepeoplethat the traitor and Syrus Wake were bad for them and that you will be the balm to their injury. You must convince them that you, the Lady of the Verdant Realm, will be the mountain of Vallendor and will not allow a sea of sand to overtake her ever again. You will have to deal boldly and swiftly with usurpers. You will have to act without pause, which…”
He wrinkles his nose and smiles. “You are apt to do. You must also be relentless this time around, Kaivara. Show the realm that you will tolerate no insurgents. Make them fear you; show them how to love you. Do this, and they will do as they should just as the people of Gasho have now done. In order for Vallendorians to change,youmust change. Be their lady, be their defender, be their mother.”
Malik Sindire nods. “You need them, Kaivara. One must have believers in order to be believed. The gods are powerless without believers. Mortals like winners—including the wolves that lurk in the forests and the women who choose mates…and choose kings. You, Lady, are the ultimate winner.”
We sit in silence. He hums as he drains his glass, and I sit here, wishing for someone to say—
“All will be well, Precious One.”
I gape at the old man seated beside me.That’s exactly what I needed to hear.
He leans toward me, and his smile turns grim. “Be careful who you trust, yes? Who you let into your circle…and into your bed.” He squeezes my wrist. “Once you figure out what you hold dear, decisions will come like…” He snaps his fingers.
I squeeze a smile from my lips and whisper, “Thank you.”
He lifts my chin and grins. “And once you understand yourself, you will have all that you need to defeat the traitor. And you will no longer be reduced in your capacities. But your discovery cannot wait.”
Malik Sindire surveys my breeches and bandeau. “I know that you have the confidence of the Mera, but you need more protection than…” He waves his hand at my bandeau and breeches. “High Lord Megidrail would be horrified to see his only child looking like an ordinary, shabby Mera warrior.”
